Press Play: The Game-Changing Journey of Rebecca, Animation Student at QUT

Rebecca's story of pursuing her Bachelor of Games and Interactive Environments degree at QUT is truly inspiring. After leaving her teaching job, she discovered her love for game design and interactive experiences, which led her to start a new academic journey.

For Rebecca, choosing this degree was all about finding a fulfilling career that allows for creativity and personal growth. Her perspective reflects the importance of making sure your career aligns with your values.

"I want to share my story with future students because I carefully considered the kind of life I wanted to lead on a day-to-day basis. I wanted my life to be more than just waiting for the weekends."

As Rebecca delved deeper into the degree, she unexpectedly discovered a passion for programming. This newfound interest reshaped her perception of mathematics.

"When I started my first year, I only knew I wanted to major in Animation. I realised that programming was important for game design, but I wasn't expecting to enjoy the first programming unit as much as I did. I felt like I was doing magic. I picked up a minor in Software Technologies in my second year and overcame a poor high school experience with maths. I've just completed a unit in algorithms and complexity, and I loved it!"

Rebecca's story also shows the importance of knowing what support is available for student well-being and success. QUT's Disability and Accessibility Services played a crucial role in supporting Rebecca's learning.

"I have access to an equity plan that allows me to apply for an extension when needed. Having the option to take extra time when things get difficult has made a huge difference for me. This is the first time adjustments have been made for me in my education, which has been significant."

Rebecca's decision to pursue a degree in game design and animation meant letting go of a career in teaching. This choice was met with incomprehension by some. However, she firmly believes that the skills and knowledge gained from this program are not limited to the gaming industry but extend to various fields. As Rebecca reflects on her journey so far, she's excited about the diverse opportunities this path holds for her.

"The great thing about getting my degree is that it opens up a lot of job opportunities. I'm open to any game art position. I also have a minor in software tech, so I'd be happy to do programming. I've also found that I'm pretty good at project management, so that's an option too."

Rebecca's story demonstrates the power of pursuing your passions and values, and she wishes she had received that advice before starting university.

"At any moment, you can decide to be someone different. You are not obligated to continue being the person you were five minutes ago just because others have reinforced that identity. People often pigeonhole you based on your profession. It's important to recognise that you are multifaceted and can lean into different aspects of yourself. You can make decisions to prioritise your happiness and well-being at any time, even if it's difficult."

Rebecca will be sharing her experience in the free Career with STEM: Technology webinar on Wednesday, 6 November, 2024. Tune in to find out why a tech career is your passport to discover new things, make change and have real impact.